WHITLOW ROAD Stormwater Outfall, Sumiton, Alabama | United States

WHITLOW ROAD is a stormwater outfall located in Sumiton, Alabama, within Jefferson County. As a stormwater outfall, it discharges collected stormwater runoff from the surrounding urban and industrial catchment into local waterways. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Water Act, which governs stormwater discharges through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program. Stormwater outfalls like WHITLOW ROAD are critical components of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s). In Alabama, these systems are regulated under Phase II of the NPDES program, requiring permits for small MS4s in urbanized areas. The facility's NAICS code 212399 indicates its association with nonmetallic mineral mining, suggesting the outfall may serve an industrial catchment with specific stormwater management requirements. The environmental significance of WHITLOW ROAD lies in its role in controlling the quality and quantity of stormwater discharge. Proper management helps prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution of receiving waters. The facility contributes to community resilience by mitigating the impacts of urbanization on local hydrology and protecting downstream ecosystems.

The facility discharges stormwater runoff from an area that includes industrial activities related to nonmetallic mineral mining. Such catchments can introduce sediments, heavy metals, and other pollutants into waterways if not properly managed. The outfall likely drains to a receiving water body that may be impaired due to urban and industrial runoff, highlighting the importance of compliance with NPDES permit conditions to protect water quality.